unconformable

[ uhn-kuhn-fawr-muh-buhl ]

adjective

1. not conformable; not conforming.
2. Geology. indicating discontinuity of any type in a stratigraphic sequence.

unconformable

/ ˌʌnkənˈfɔːməbəl /

adjective

1. not conformable or conforming
2. (of rock strata) consisting of a series of younger strata that do not succeed the underlying older rocks in age or in parallel position, as a result of a long period of erosion or nondeposition

Derived Forms

• ˌunconˈformably, adverb
• ˌunconˌformaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• uncon·forma·bili·ty noun
• uncon·forma·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconformable¹

First recorded in 1585–95; un- ¹ + conformable

Example Sentences

The complete biological contrasts between the fossil contents of unconformable strata are sufficiently explicable.

From Project Gutenberg

Carboniferous rocks appear in small faulted tracts, unconformable on the Silurian, on 832 the shores of the Solway Firth.

From Project Gutenberg

Strata are said to be unconformable when they do not lie in regular, parallel sequence.

From Project Gutenberg

Although usually conformable to the oolite, it is sometimes, as in the Jura, unconformable.

From Project Gutenberg

In the grounds of the Admiralty House curious instances of unconformable strata are laid bare in old quarries.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abhorrent
• abominable
• contradictory
• disgusting
• distasteful
• incompatible
• objectionable
• odious
• revolting
• vile